As part of a daily series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2023, the Warriors enter the new year enjoying the comforts of home with a new-look side.
After three years based in Australia due to the pandemic, the Warriors return to normal in 2023.
But for long-suffering fans, normal also means a team in flux and low expectations for a side that has lost a few big names in the past 12 months.
New coach Andrew Webster faces a gigantic task to get the Warriors anywhere near the top eight unless he can harness the enormous potential of their younger players and get the best out of some veterans who are in the twilight of their careers.
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After all their sacrifices over the past few years you’d think they’d get some respite with the draw but they are on the road in four of the first six rounds, including onerous trips to Townsville and Newcastle.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Who’s new?
Eels forward Marata Niukore headlines a lengthy list of recruits with the talented second-rower returning to the club after playing 96 matches at Parramatta over the past five seasons.
Kiwi international Te Maire Martin could be a handy pick-up after he revived his career at Brisbane last season following a stint in retirement while former Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could be another major boost for the Auckland-based side if he can recapture his 2019 form.
They have added experience in Knights forward Mitchell Barnett and Manly utility Dylan Walker and journeyman centre Braydon Wiliame.
Speedy ex-Sharks halfback Luke Metcalf gives them another playmaking option while Jackson Ford didn’t get much of a chance at the Dragons and could fill a role nicely as an edge or middle forward option.
Marata Niukore of New Zealand (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images for RLWC)
Who’s gone?
Reece Walsh’s request for a release to return home to Brisbane stung the Warriors – he was a player they could have built their team around.
Euan Aitken followed the lead of Matt Lodge and Kodi Nikorima by requesting a release when the move back to Auckland was confirmed and he will line up for the Dolphins.
Young second-rower Eliesa Katoa was surprisingly allowed to switch to the Storm along with prop Aaron Pene, fellow forward Jack Murchie has joined the Eels while talented utility Chanel Harris-Tavita is taking a year-long sabbatical from professional sport.
Veteran forward Ben Murdoch-Masila was released recently to finish his career with St George Illawarra.
Shaun Johnson. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Key spots to unlock
Shaun Johnson will likely get first crack at halfback with Martin at five-eighth and Nicoll-Klokstad chiming in from fullback.
With Metcalf and Ronald Volkman, another promising playmaker they signed midway through last season from the Roosters, there are younger options for the future at Webster’s disposal if the experienced halves don’t get the job done.
The arrival of Barnett, Niukore and Ford gives the Warriors plenty of high-level forwards for their starting pack when everyone is available so someone like Josh Curran or Jazz Tevaga could be reduced to an interchange role.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3 Adam Pompey
4 Rocco Berry
5 Marcelo Montoya
6 Te Maire Martin
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Mitch Barnett
11 Tohu Harris
12 Marata Niukore
13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
14 Dylan Walker
15 Josh Curran
16 Bunty Afoa
17 Bayley Sironen
Other squad members: Brayden Wiliame, Freddy Lussick, Jackson Ford, Luke Metcalf, Edward Kosi, Otukinekina Kepu, Ronald Volkman, Taniela Otukolo, Tom Ale , Valingi Kepu, Viliami Vailea.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. I might have to hunt down between the couch cushions and find a little something to lay against that then!
Succhi
Roar Rookie
It’s a real shame the Warriors can’t keep their local NZ juniors. Seems the Roosters and Storm attract them and develop really well. I can’t see this line up doing much damage.
mushi
Roar Guru
I more meant that the sports books I found all have them tightest odds ergo they're the favourite.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
According to some Mushi. But I reckon with Uncle Wayne at the helm and the core of the Storm pack, plus a handy addition in Gilbert, and some talented but as-yet under-performing backs, they won't set the comp on fire, but they grind out enough wins to stay off the bottom of the table. I've got them at 15 or 16. Whatever eventuates, it will be interesting to see!
Larry1950
Guest
That likely ‘best’ 17 doesn’t appear to put the warriors in the contender class and it looks like they’d need a few home town upsets over higher rated teams to even have an outside shot at the eight. Maybe four classes of players in that team based on the positions you’ve selected them in. 1: Proven quality NRL talent: Johnson (potentially past it), Fonua-Blake, Harris. 2: capable/experienced first grader: Nicoll-Klokstad, Watene-Zelesniak, Montoya, Martin, Niukore. 3: capable but inconsistent: Barnett, Walker, Curran. 4: Yet to prove their worth or making up the numbers: Pompey, Berry, Egan, Tevaga, Afoa, Sironen. They could do no worse by bringing in Kosi & Ford with Volkman on the bench if Johnson continues his form slide.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I don't know the centres all that well but their aren't any players in that backline that I wished were playing at Manly. It's a very pedestrian looking backline but this time last season most of us were looking at elements of the Cows backline and predicting a dour outcome so I'll try and reserve being overly harsh. The time has come for Metcalf to step up to the plate , he appears to have the potential.
mushi
Roar Guru
I think the dolphins are still favourites aren't they?
Sam
Guest
Warriors thought they were getting back 'the old SJ' but they've actually got 'old SJ'
Rellum
Roar Guru
That team,right now are spoon favourites
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Nothing against Warriors. But they have to be spoon favourites for '23.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Front row depth is a massive issue if Barnett is one of your starting props. I think Bunty will get the start and Barnett a bench middle / extra lock. Looking forward to seeing Martin back in the halves and CNK will be busting to prove a point. I rate Egan and if SJ doesn’t try and overplay it could be a good spine.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
As usual it’ll come down which version of SJ turns up. If it’s 2014 running & stepping SJ taking on the line they can challenge for a finals spot, if it’s 2018 passive SJ, they’ll struggle, especially on the road.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
In the right situation he’s actually quite useful, but he won’t help the Dragons.
Tony
Roar Guru
I think they'll struggle Andrew, unless playing more often at home gives them an unexpected boost.
andrew
Roar Rookie
That's really filled me with confidence Tony, sounds like another of Griffin's astute purchases. Interesting to see how the Warriors go in 2023.
Tony
Roar Guru
Andrew, he makes Aaron Woods look like a James Fisher-Harris.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Ben Murdoch- Masila coming to the Dragons. Sorry to say but i know nothing about him. I hope he's got something to offer.